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Michael Owen backs Jose Mourinho to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United

Michael Owen claims Jose Mourinho should take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, when the Scot decides to retire.

The Real Madrid boss has distanced himself from the Old Trafford top job, stating he did not believe he would replace the 71-year-old at the Red Devils.

But Owen, who played for United and the Galacticos, insists the Portuguese should reconsider his decision, as he would be a perfect fit at the north-west club.

“Once Sir Alex Ferguson hangs up his boots there aren’t many managers that are big enough to fill the void left by him,” he said. “You would have to say that Jose Mourinho is one of those few.

“He’s been there, seen it and done it before. His CV is second to none. He’s got the confidence to step into that dressing room and feel he belonged there.

“He’d be one of those select few that have the credentials to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson.”

The pair will come head-to-head when Manchester United face Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 stage and Owen believes it will be the Premier League side that emerge victorious from the meeting of the European giants.

“It’s very evenly balanced but if I was to nail my colours to the mast I would favour Manchester United,” he added. “Having the second leg at home is a huge advantage, in fact, it could be crucial.

“Man United are going into the encounter in better shape, they’re more of a team at the minute.

“The rumours coming out of Real Madrid are that all is not happy in the camp. When teams are so evenly matched, as these two are, then little details are going to count and Manchester United are in better shape at the moment.”

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Mourinho would be one of those select few that have the credentials to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson